Music at the Real Palacio and the Real Capilla: Solemn Ceremonies and Private Soirées at the Court during the Bourbon Restoration

Abstract

During the Bourbon Restoration, solemn ceremonies served to project an image of the monarchy identified with nation and Catholicism. Music assisted in this, playing an important part in both festive and religious ceremonies at the Spanish Court, in public and private events which took place at the Real Capilla and in the halls of the Palacio Real. Although earlier stylistic trends represented by the aristocracy’s penchant for Italian opera continued, this period also bore witness to a boost in musical practices within the spirit of renewal, with the presence of music by Spanish composers. Music was linked to the patronage exerted by King Alphonse XII, Queen consort Maria Christina and the Infanta Isabel, with guidance from Count Morphy. Using the documentation preserved at the Archivo General de Palacio and the contemporary press, this article examines the different ambits of music making at the Palace and discusses its diverse ceremonial aspects. It thus seeks to draw attention to a little-studied field and spark interest in questions that require further study.